If you’ve been searching how to get on Semaglutide, you’re not alone. Interest in this medication has skyrocketed—largely thanks to its impressive impact on weight loss. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, semaglutide is now widely known for helping people feel fuller, eat less, and lose weight in a sustainable way.
But figuring out how to actually start treatment? That’s where things get murky. Between prescription requirements, nationwide shortages, and high out-of-pocket costs, the path isn’t always straightforward.
This guide breaks it all down for you—from what semaglutide is and how it works, to what your options are (including compounded oral semaglutide). Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or looking for a way around the usual hurdles, we’ll help you understand the safest, most efficient way to move forward.
Let’s get into it.
What Is Semaglutide & How Does It Work?
Semaglutide is the name of the active ingredient inside of some popular GLP-1 weight loss medications.
This medication originally developed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Over time, it became clear that one of its major side effects—reduced appetite and slowed gastric emptying—could lead to significant weight loss in many people.
After that, it took off as a revolutionary way to approach modern weight management.
How Does It Work?
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
These mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate insulin, digestion, and appetite. For people struggling with weight, semaglutide can make it easier to feel satisfied with smaller portions, avoid cravings, and stay consistent with long-term health goals.
While semaglutide is typically given as a weekly injection, semaglutide is also available in oral formulations—a lesser-known option that may be a better fit for people who prefer to avoid needles or need a more affordable option.
We’ll dive deeper into oral options in a moment—but first, let’s look at how people usually get started with semaglutide-based treatments.
How to Get on Semaglutide Through Traditional Healthcare
If you're looking into how to get on semaglutide, the standard route usually starts with your primary care doctor or an endocrinologist.
From there, the process typically looks something like this:
- Schedule an in-person appointment (Depending on provider availability, this could take a considerable amount of time).
- Discuss your medical history, weight concerns, or diabetes status to determine if you’re a candidate. Your eligibility will be dependent on the opinion of your physician. Some doctors will freely prescribe if they think you’re a good fit, while others lean more on lifestyle changes before prescribing medications like semaglutide.
- Wait for lab work or follow-up evaluations that might be needed before a prescription is written.
- Determine if your insurance covers it—Semaglutide medications can be expensive without coverage, often running over $1,000 per month. Call your insurance and see if they would cover this medication, and how much would be out of pocket.
- Shorages have been causing pharmacy delays. As of writing, the shortages are getting fewer and fewer, but it also depends on your location and pharmacy. As you weigh your options, talk to your pharmacist about availability. Once you start your medication you want to be sure you can continue to get your hands on it as you need it.
For many people, that process feels overwhelming—and even when you do qualify, the price tag or accessibility can still be a dealbreaker.
Next, we’re going to cover the semaglutide alternatives. Alternatives can be a great option if you anticipate any barriers trying to get semaglutide from the usual sources.
Is There an Alternative? Understanding Compounded Semaglutide
If you’ve run into barriers trying to get semaglutide through your usual pharmacy—whether it's availability, cost, or just the hassle of the traditional medical system—you’re not alone.
That’s where compounded semaglutide and telemed services come in as a potential alternative.
The active ingredient in some weight loss treatments, semaglutide, is available in other formulations—including compounded versions that are legally prescribed through telemedicine platforms like Strut Health, if appropriate for you.
What is Compounding?
Compounding is a long-standing, FDA-regulated practice where licensed pharmacies create custom formulations of medications. These are typically prescribed when commercially available drugs are in short supply or when a patient needs a specific formulation (like a different dose or delivery method).
In the case of semaglutide, some compounding pharmacies are now offering custom-blended options using the same active ingredient found in commercially available semaglutide medications. This is especially helpful right now, as supplies have been inconsistent nationwide.
Semaglutide Comes in an Oral Form, Too?
Yes. While most people think of semaglutide as a weekly injection, oral semaglutide is a growing option—especially for those who prefer to avoid needles or need a more affordable option.
Through telemedicine providers like Strut Health, patients may be eligible to receive a compounded oral version, taken daily.
Read More: Is Oral Semaglutide Effective? What to Know Before You Start
This can be a more approachable and flexible solution, particularly for those just starting their weight loss journey or who feel hesitant about self-injections.
Of course, not everyone is a candidate—and working with a medical provider is key to finding the right fit. But for many, compounded semaglutide opens a door that previously felt closed.
How to Get GLP-1 Consultations Online—The Strut Health Process
If you're looking for a more accessible way to get started with a GLP-1 consultation, telemedicine makes it simpler than ever. At Strut Health, we’ve built a process that’s designed to be fast, thoughtful, and entirely online—without cutting corners on care.
Here’s how it works:
1. Complete an Online Medical Questionnaire
Start by answering a few questions about your health, goals, and medical history. This helps our licensed providers understand if semaglutide is right for you—and whether the oral formulation is a good fit.
2. Get Personalized Plan
A U.S. licensed medical professional will review your intake and follow up if needed. If approved, your assigned doctor will develop a treatment plan specifically for you.
3. Get Compounded Semaglutide Shipped to Your Door
If prescribed, your medication—whether injectable or oral semaglutide—is freshly compounded at a U.S. pharmacy and discreetly shipped directly to you. No pharmacy lines. No waiting rooms.
4. Stay Connected With Your Provider
Have questions about dosing, side effects, or progress? Our providers are available for check-ins and support throughout your treatment.
It’s care that moves at your pace, with guidance every step of the way.
FAQ: What to Expect Once You Start Semaglutide
Starting any new medication can come with questions—and semaglutide is no exception. Whether you’re using the injectable or oral form, knowing what to expect helps you feel more confident and prepared from day one.
When Will You See Results?
Weight loss with semaglutide is gradual by design. Most people begin noticing a difference within the first few weeks—often in how much they’re eating or how full they feel after meals. Meaningful weight loss usually builds over a few months with consistent use, paired with healthy habits.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
The most common side effects are mild and related to digestion—things like nausea, bloating, or decreased appetite. These are often temporary and tend to fade as your body adjusts to the medication. Starting at a low dose and increasing slowly (under your provider's guidance) can help minimize these effects.
What About Safety?
Semaglutide has been studied extensively and is generally well-tolerated in most people. That said, it’s not right for everyone—especially those with certain medical conditions. That’s why medical oversight is key. At Strut, every prescription is evaluated by a licensed provider who can help determine if it’s a safe choice for you.
Is Support Available Along the Way?
Absolutely. When you start semaglutide through Strut Health, you’re not doing it alone. You’ll have access to ongoing check-ins, dosage adjustments, and provider support whenever you need it.
What If I Need a More Potent Option Later On?
For some people, that’s part of the journey. If you don’t feel like you're getting the results you want with semaglutide, you’re not out of options. At Strut, we also offer compounded tirzepatide—which has been shown in studies to lead to even greater weight loss for many patients. Ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for this option.
Start with a No-Pressure GLP-1 Medical Questionnaire
If you’re curious about how semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide might fit into your weight loss plan, why not start with our quick, no-pressure medical questionnaire?
It’s a simple way to get started and learn more about your options.
Our licensed medical team is here to answer your questions and guide you—without any obligation.
To take the medical questionnaire and see where you stand, follow the link to this semaglutide page and scroll to the “Get Started” button.
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png)